<p>Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambareesh, an independent, met veteran BJP leader S M Krishna on Saturday amid speculation that she is considering joining the saffron party. </p>.<p>Speaking to reporters, Sumalatha said she will decide her future course of action after consulting senior leaders, family members and well-wishers. </p>.<p>Describing Krishna as Mandya’s “tallest leader,” Sumalatha said she came to congratulate him on being awarded the Padma Vibhushan.</p>.<p>“I did not discuss politics,” she said. </p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/state/karnataka-politics/buzz-on-sumalathas-bjp-entry-ahead-of-pms-visit-1196003.html" target="_blank">Buzz on Sumalatha's BJP entry ahead of PM's visit</a></strong><br /><br />Asked about speculation that she would join BJP, Sumalatha said she was undecided. </p>.<p>“I’ve been an MP for four years. As an independent, technically, I should have joined a party less than six months after being elected. An independent can’t join a party after six months. These are the guidelines. I should have decided then. But I wanted to see the developments and how I can improve my district better,” she said. </p>.<p>“I should also seek suggestions from my supporters. I will discuss it with everybody, including senior leaders, family members and well-wishers. After that, I will decide,” Sumalatha said. </p>.<p>On contesting the upcoming Assembly election, Sumalatha said she had not decided anything for the time being.</p>.<p>“I am waiting to find out how people want to see me. Circumstances also should be favourable. I have to take everything into consideration,” she said.</p>.<p>“Whatever decision I take will not be about me. It’ll be about what’s good for the people who’ve stood by me,” she said, adding that she would make her decision soon. </p>.<p>During the day, Sumalatha held a meeting with her supporters. </p>.<p>In 2019, the BJP-backed Sumalatha defeated the then chief minister H D Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil in a high-voltage Mandya Lok Sabha election.</p>.<p>There is speculation that Sumalatha would join the BJP coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mandya to inaugurate the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway on March 12. </p>
<p>Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambareesh, an independent, met veteran BJP leader S M Krishna on Saturday amid speculation that she is considering joining the saffron party. </p>.<p>Speaking to reporters, Sumalatha said she will decide her future course of action after consulting senior leaders, family members and well-wishers. </p>.<p>Describing Krishna as Mandya’s “tallest leader,” Sumalatha said she came to congratulate him on being awarded the Padma Vibhushan.</p>.<p>“I did not discuss politics,” she said. </p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/state/karnataka-politics/buzz-on-sumalathas-bjp-entry-ahead-of-pms-visit-1196003.html" target="_blank">Buzz on Sumalatha's BJP entry ahead of PM's visit</a></strong><br /><br />Asked about speculation that she would join BJP, Sumalatha said she was undecided. </p>.<p>“I’ve been an MP for four years. As an independent, technically, I should have joined a party less than six months after being elected. An independent can’t join a party after six months. These are the guidelines. I should have decided then. But I wanted to see the developments and how I can improve my district better,” she said. </p>.<p>“I should also seek suggestions from my supporters. I will discuss it with everybody, including senior leaders, family members and well-wishers. After that, I will decide,” Sumalatha said. </p>.<p>On contesting the upcoming Assembly election, Sumalatha said she had not decided anything for the time being.</p>.<p>“I am waiting to find out how people want to see me. Circumstances also should be favourable. I have to take everything into consideration,” she said.</p>.<p>“Whatever decision I take will not be about me. It’ll be about what’s good for the people who’ve stood by me,” she said, adding that she would make her decision soon. </p>.<p>During the day, Sumalatha held a meeting with her supporters. </p>.<p>In 2019, the BJP-backed Sumalatha defeated the then chief minister H D Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil in a high-voltage Mandya Lok Sabha election.</p>.<p>There is speculation that Sumalatha would join the BJP coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mandya to inaugurate the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway on March 12. </p>